New projects are coming to the East Bronx, including upgrades to parks, schools, libraries and community spaces through $20 million in state funding.

Advocates say the investments are expected to help improve quality of life and support economic growth across the greater Morris Park area.

Among the projects announced is a $3.5 million investment to convert the former St. Francis Xavier site into a preschool with a renovated gymnasium.

Additional funding will support a new community center in Westchester Square, renovations at Bronx Excellence Elementary School and improvements to the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library.

Some of the money will also go toward sprucing up Morris Park Avenue, including the installation of new street trees.

Leaders also say long-awaited upgrades are planned for Matthews Mulliner Playground, where funding is expected to address flooding concerns and improve accessibility.

Parents in the area say the projects could make a meaningful difference for local families.

“I have two kids of my own. They play here every day. We be far away and they wanna come back here. Upgrades here, they definitely going to love it here,” said Angel Garcia, a Morris Park father.

Children who use the playground said they are excited about the possibility of improvements.

“I need some new stuff, I’ve been coming here for years,” one child said.

“It’s gonna be very nice and I’m gonna be happy,” another child added.

Still, not everyone is convinced the projects will ultimately be completed.

“I’m not sure if it will because I’m a little skeptical. But hopefully it does... feel like it’d really help a lot of people,” one resident said.

“I’m just not sure if they’re gonna make upgrades,” another resident added.

News 12 also asked the Morris Park Business Improvement District, which helped secure the state funding, when residents can expect the projects to be completed.

“To be complete? I mean, they're very different projects, of course, from, you know, making a whole plaza to upgrades within public parks or educational institutions. So anywhere I’d say, a year to six,” said Carmelia Tepelus, executive director of the Morris Park Business Improvement District.